Mountain Bike Duathlon

Mountain Bike Duathlon 2016 (17th Jan 2016)

Location: Minnis Bay, Birchington, Kent

Start time: 10.30

Host: TRAC

Many congratulations to all the runners and riders in this morning's John Flitch Mountain Bike Duathlon. Conditions on the day were pretty good, with the strong wind of recent days having a lie-in, and even the temperatuure was fairly mild! But Thanet’s toughest race didn't disappoont, with the sticky mud and full dykes proving challenging!

You’ll have noticed that the cycle was amended to one lap – the ambulance service referred to the map used for last week’s cross country course, thinking that was also the route for today, so the cyclists did one longer loop. Apologies for the confusion, but everyone did the same course. Thanks to race director, Phil Kinnill and the team, and all the hardy marshals who braved the conditions. If you could leave feedback on the Runner’s World website, it helps us improve the race in future years. Thanks!

There were 66 finishers, with three pulling out. Nick Kinsey was first home in 1hr 19mins, almost 5 minutes clear of youngster Morgan Rhodes from Medway Tri. Team mate Stuart Mcleod was another two minutes back in 3rd. Clare Hitchings from 7Oaks Tri reclaimed the ladies’ title she won last year, finishing in 1.31, with Deal Tri’s Joanne Pitten in second in 1.44, and Karen Wale third in 1.52.

Rob Miles and Alastair Clifford combined to be first team of two, in 1.20, with two on the day entries - Team Ashford Tri and Team Medway Velo - second and third respectively.

Five TRACcies were in the field, with Chris Brenchley the best of the home bunch in 11th with 1.30, Kristian Lasslett in 26th with 1.39, and Spencer Hoult 43rd in 1.52. Kerry Barnard was the only TRAC female heading out, back in 2.07. Matt Jones was the running part of the 4th team home, in 1.45.

Very well done once again to everyone who took part, and thanks to our race supporters - TMS Property Services, RAYNET, the Margate Ambulance services, and our race HQ venue, Minnis Bay Sailing Club. The official race photos will shortly be available for all to see and purchase - please visit Grant Burton’s website for more details.

Hope to see many of you again next year, or at one of our other races later in the year! Entries are open for our popular beach race, the Harbour Wallbanger on 23rd July. Dates are in the diary for the Fosters Law Kent Coastal Marathon and Half Marathon on 4th September and the Alan Green Memorial 10 mile race on 4th December, so stay tuned for entry details for those in due course.